Mis Dos Centavos: Thoughts of the Dying Knockouts Division

With recent reports reporting Tara's departure from TNA, I felt I should harp the current state of the Knockout's Division. I would also like to say good luck to her in her future endeavors.

To be honest with you all, I'm amazed, shocked and puzzled over TNA's inability and refusal to give Tara a raise. Let us all remember that this isn't the first time TNA made this mistake, (anyone seen Gail Kim?). I was sure that it wouldn't hurt TNA to give her what she deserves.

But once again, I was wrong.

I mean, after all, why would you want to underpay one the most experienced female wrestlers on the roster? For TNA to make that decision boggles my mind. But, given the recent situation she has with the Beautiful People, that also added on to why she wanted to leave TNA.

But I'm not here to go on a tirade about TNA's financial situation or the recent backstage heat with Tara (stemming from the recent reports of burying peers behind their backs to management). I'm here to make a tirade about how TNA will fill the open void that is left in the Knockouts Division.

This would make Tara the fifth Knockout released in the span of five months during the Hogan/Bischoff regime. I'm severely disappointed over what was done to the once small beacon of hope that was there, only later to be turned into something that is about as important and forgettable as a fart in the wind.

It's also hard to believe that no less than two years ago, TNA has expanded their ever growing female roster with such names as: ODB, Awesome Kong, Rhaka Khan, Raisha Saeed, Sojourner Bolt, and Daffney. They were also credited with being on par with their male counterparts, drawing some of the better ratings of the show.

I would like to go ahead and say 2008 was the year of the Knockouts and who can argue with that? Before TNA decided to have Bischoff/Hogan jump aboard the gravy train, they were busy signing and showcasing future talent, promoting emphasis on actual competition, and introducing the Queen of the Cage concept at Lockdown.

What happened to that? This was the division that they once prided on being the alternative to the WWE Divas, and yet, they do the complete opposite nearly two years later? What the hell!?

But my question to all this is: Why? Why do this to the wrestling fans that actually enjoy women's wrestling? Is the bad booking to blame in this type of situation?

Or is it the fact that TNA focuses way too much on notoriety by recreating many old nostalgic moments, that they don't have time to look over and revise their product?

My fellow writers, I ask you all to join forces with me in a moment of extraordinary poignancy. Find Eric Bischoff and Hulk Hogan, and start swinging at them for turning the division into a shell of its former self.

Because let's face it, TNA has been contriving us ever since January 4th; unknowingly damaging the division of all its glory and prestige, with feeble attempts to counter it by producing the same stale substance that has Russo's and probably Ferrara's name slapped on it.

TNA looks like they don't have a clue about how to utilize the division nowadays. Ever since Hogan/Bischoff stepped up to the plate, they have done absolutely nothing relevant to the division. I understand that they're trying to focus on new stars (or at least that is what they've told us), but don't shove the Knockouts out of the way like they don't mean anything. I don't want to have to witness another Alundra Blayze moment.

I'm sure all of you know that Impact will never be the same if TNA just all of sudden chose to demolish the roster until further notice. It's bad enough when you try to stuff all the Knockouts in filler tag-team matches, but just to completely abolish it would be even crazier than giving Hornswoggle the WWE title.

How will they make up for this in the end? There's not too much they can do with the already shrinking roster, and I am actually hoping that TNA will try to save the division from the verge of extinction. Don't forget TNA. There is still time to save the division from becoming too WWE Diva-lite.

The time is ticking, don't let this once prominent and elite division just slip through your fingers and let it go down the sh***er, because God knows that's where Bubba the Love Sponge belongs.